How to help victims of Christchurch mosque mass shooting
Following the mass shooting in two Christchurch, New Zealand mosques, people around the world are appalled and looking to show solidarity and support with the victims. Victims Support New Zealand has launched a “GoFundMe” equivalent https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/christchurch-shooting-victims-fund cause page for this shooting on the givealittle platform.
“All donations received through the fund will be ring-fenced (restricted and used only) to provide resources and support to those affected by this horrific incident. Victim Support stands with everyone affected and all communities in New Zealand today.”
https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/christchurch-shooting-victims-fund To give to support victims
As with any crowdfunding campaign, and as was experienced in the Humboldt tragedy, nothing is perfect. The current givealittle statement is not specifically clear if money will pay for charity support programs (counseling) or cash distributions to victims and their families. Over the next few days, more details should be provided. Donors should look for clarity and timelines.
Victims Services of New Zealand provides volunteers to counsel. This is nice. I personally feel that direct cash to victims and their families is a better way to help people through a traumatic tragedy in some small way.
Spark Foundation, the charity of New Zealand’s telco, owns the crowdfunding platform, givealittle, and covers all transaction costs. There are no overhead costs for supporters. There are also no tax receipts.
Over 6,800 people have given NZ$433,500 (C$394,000) to the Victim Support fund. This figure will hopefully substantially rise to best help the families of the 49 people killed by gunfire and about the same number seriously wounded.
With people worldwide giving support, website load times to donate are currently delayed. Please be patient.